National Postal Meter M1 Carbine .30 Cal 18” Semi-auto Rifle MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,263.33
WOA#: WY240217TR003
Make: National Postal Meter
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 4371374
Year of Manufacture: Early 1944
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: The top-rear of the receiver is marked “National Postal Meter”, “4371374” and “U”. The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. Carbine”, “CAL .30 M1”. The barrel is marked “INLAND M.F.G. DIV. GENERAL MOTORS” and an “8” . The front barrel band is marked Diamond “D”. The right side of the rear sight is marked “J.A.O. / 7160060”. The magazine release button is marked “M / WA”. The inside of the sling cut is marked “TRIMBLE TN”. The receiver block in the stock is stamped “W”. The inside of the upper handguard is marked “PI”.
Barrel Length: 18″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade with protective ears. The rear sight is a late sliding adjustable aperture sight dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Type III low-wood with a Type III 4-rivet upper handguard, Type III-T4 barrel band, and a checkered metal butt plate. This rifle also has the cross bolt safety. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. The stock has compressions and scratches throughout, There is a small chip on the left side of the handguard. The metal buttplate has no rust. There is also a small chip in the left side of the stock in front of the magazine well. Overall the stock is in Good to Very Good condition for C&R.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle includes a certificate of authenticity from the Civilian Marksmanship Program.
Type of Finish: Blued, Parkerized, Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is mostly sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The block, barrel band and front sight show the majority of the finish loss. The barrel band has begun to patina brown. Overall this rifle is in Very Good Condition for C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a certificate of authenticity from The Civilian Marksmanship Program.
Our Assessment: During the early stages of World War II, the U.S. military recognized the need for a lightweight rifle that would bridge the gap between the heavy and cumbersome M1 Garand rifle and the standard issue sidearm, the M1911 pistol. The goal was to provide troops with a compact and easy-to-handle firearm that offered more firepower than a pistol but was lighter and more maneuverable than a full-size rifle.
In 1941, the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Department contracted with various manufacturers, including Winchester, IBM, and General Motors’ Inland Division, to develop and produce the M1 Carbine. The rifle was designed by a team led by firearms designer David Williams, who drew inspiration from the successful M1 Garand and the short-recoil action of the M1 Thompson submachine gun. The M1 Carbine featured a gas-operated, semi-automatic action and fired a .30 caliber cartridge known as the .30 Carbine. The cartridge, while less powerful than the standard .30-06 ammunition used in the M1 Garand, offered greater capacity and reduced recoil, making it more controllable and well-suited for short to medium-range engagements.
The M1 Carbine saw widespread use in World War II, becoming a staple firearm for American troops. It was praised for its reliability, ease of use, and versatility. The rifle was not only issued to U.S. forces but also provided to allied nations through various lend-lease programs.
After World War II, the M1 Carbine continued to serve in the Korean War and saw limited use in subsequent conflicts. It also became popular among civilian shooters and collectors due to its historical significance and manageable recoil. The M1 Carbine played a significant role in U.S. military history, offering a lightweight and reliable firearm that filled a niche between pistols and full-size rifles. Its compact design, firepower, and ease of use made it a favored weapon among soldiers in various roles and contributed to its enduring legacy. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
